Why Do I Use Tencel Fabric?

I love my job because it inspires me to learn and grow. The more I educate myself about textiles, fast fashion, and the harmful effects of the clothing industry on human health and the environment, the more I know I am on the right path.

I love designing clothes that make people look and feel fabulous, But I also enjoy sharing what I have discovered and learning from others.

At my shows, I have amazing conversations about fast fashion, body confidence, fabric chemicals, local shopping benefits, the environmental impact of fashion, women's empowerment and the joy of thrift store shopping. I love it, and I have learned so much. 

It drives me nuts that clothing has become disposable. We have forgotten that all clothes are made by hand, that they are all handmade by someone. Many people handle your clothes, and why do only some deserve to be paid? Why do we not care how the workers and the planet are treated?

Our shopping choices must extend beyond style and comfort. We must understand where our clothes come from and what happens to them after we are finished with them. 

We generate increasing amounts of textile waste, making the fashion industry one of the worst polluters globally. I want to do my part to change this. I want my customers to feel good about how my designs make them look and feel and to feel good about their shopping decisions.

Over the past few years, more and more sustainable fashion companies have emerged as a powerful way to reduce our ecological footprint, promote more ethical practices within the industry, and help people think about their shipping decisions. 

What fabric should I use for my designs that is good for you, me, and the planet?

I have been doing a lot of research into the type of fabric I use and where I get it from. I found this fantastic company called Kendor Textiles in Vancouver, and I love their passion for doing everything they can to help the environment. You can read more about their commitment here: https://kendortextiles.com/pages/sustainability.

I have chosen to use Tencel, which is man-made and originates from trees—primarily birch, beech, spruce, and eucalyptus —that are then manufactured into fibre. 

Tencel fabrics are a fantastic eco-friendly option for my designs. They are super soft, breathable, wick away moisture, durable, and wash amazing—perfect for my style. They also use less water and chemicals in the manufacturing process, making them a fabulous eco-friendly choice. 

The certified biobased fibres are manufactured using an environmentally responsible production process. Manufacturers take the wood pulp from these trees, dissolve it with a chemical solvent, and then push it through an extruder to form the fibres. 

Tencel is produced using wood from trees in sustainably harvested forests and uses recycled, less-toxic chemicals. 

It is made using a circular production system, during which 99% of the chemicals and solvents used to break down the wood pulp are recovered and recycled. Biodegradable and compostable, the Tencel fibres can fully revert back to nature, not causing further waste.

"From forest to fashion, TENCEL™ creates fibres for consumers who care about their impact on the planet." From The Tencel website.

While TENCEL garments may have a slightly higher price tag than conventional fabrics, viewing this investment through a long-term lens is essential. The added cost reflects a commitment to quality, durability, and sustainability. Plus, the production and packaging costs are higher to meet environmental and human standards.

TENCEL's inherent resilience ensures that your clothing will withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Moreover, the lower environmental impact of this fabric's production and its biodegradability contribute to a more responsible fashion ecosystem, which is a win for you and the planet. 

“By choosing TENCEL, you’re not just purchasing a piece of clothing; you’re contributing to a greener future and redefining the value of your fashion choices.” TENCEL™ website.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at one of my shows in the future.

Let me know if you find any interesting documents or posts on fast fashion and different fabrics. Learn more about Tencel's pros and cons here: Untamed Blog—The Pros and Cons of Tencel.

Have a wonderful day.